Meanwhile, Catillaz has announced that he'll also be on an independent line, in addition to the Democratic line, in the Nov. 6 election, when he faces Harrietstown Republican Bob Bevilacqua, a current town councilman.

In a press release issued by the Friends of Tom Catillaz, the former village mayor and current village trustee said the village is already working to secure rights of way to connect Dewey and Pisgah with a cross-country ski trail. Last year, the village started work on a multi-use recreational trail at Pisgah, and volunteers have also been busy cutting mountain-biking trails at both Dewey and Pisgah.

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Tom Catillaz(Enterprise file photo)

"Mountain-biking is emerging as a popular nine-month-a-year recreational activity," Catillaz said in news release. "The village and town should combine our efforts to support and promote these efforts at Dewey and Pisgah."

Catillaz also said the town and village should encourage the state Department of Environmental Conservation to develop additional trails for mountain biking and cross-country skiing in the nearby Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.

"Can you imagine what the town of Harrietstown and the village of Saranac Lake would have if we can figure out a way to combine our efforts on our two prime recreational assets and develop a connection for their cross-country ski trails?" Catillaz said in the release. "This, combined with improved recreational access to nearby state lands, could make the Saranac Lake area an attraction; a destination; a go-to place for year-round recreational enthusiasts who would fill hotel rooms and eat at our local restaurants. This could be big - but only if we can work together."

Catillaz said he plans to ask the town of Harrietstown board for its cooperation in pursuing a partnership of the two recreation venues.

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Independent line

In a separate release, Catillaz announced that his name will appear on the "Unity for Harrietstown" party line on the election ballot. He said 130 people signed his independent petitions.

"It's important to give those independent-minded voters the additional choice to cast their vote on an independent line," Catillaz said in the release.